Trailing arms on Kimberly Kamper

Submitted: Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 19:14
ThreadID: 104128 Views:4658 Replies:6 FollowUps:6
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We are the proud owners of a Kimberly Kamper. I think the model is the Kakadu and its vintage is circa 2000 or 2001.

We purchased it second hand and the previous owner advised that it had been set up so that the hubs matched a Nissan (GQ I believe). We drive a 76 Landcruiser (5 stud pattern) and would like to have wheels that matched the camper and the truck for the same reason as the previous owner.

My gut tells me that rather than simply swapping hubs, because off wheel offsets etc., we are going to have to change the trailing arms so that the axles are the correct length.

If my hunch is correct, the expensive solution is to purchase new trailing arms and hubs. The cheap option is to find someone that has the same problem as me in reverse: Toyota hubs and trailing arms and wanting a set to match a Nissan.

Anyone here got any suggestions on how to find a match? Is there a simpler solution I am overlooking?

Cheers
Gary

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Reply By: Aussi Traveller - Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 19:22

Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 19:22
You could buy a Nissan. LOL
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Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 20:32

Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 20:32
The same pattern as all the older Land Cruiser six stud hubs !! But the Nissan is a good idea!! Michael
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Reply By: Thinkin - Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 19:37

Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 19:37
Hi Gary,

Why don't you measure the offset on your spare Landcruiser wheel and spare camper wheel, see how much they are, and eliminate any guesswork.

You might find the difference is not worth talking about.

Alpero
AnswerID: 517431

Follow Up By: Member - mechpete - Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 13:54

Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 13:54
I,m not a fan of wheel spacers , but on a trailer it maybe an option mechpete
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Reply By: Member - Rob D (NSW) - Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 19:37

Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 19:37
I have an Ultimate Offroad Camper with Patrol wheels and a LC100 tow vehicle.

As long as I have the same tyre sizes and the means to change tyres then I am not concerned. I have a Beadbreaker set to change the tyres.

I would not worry about it if I were you. Get out and enjoy it.

If you relax at a faster pace you can get more relaxation in for a given time.
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Follow Up By: The Landy - Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 16:00

Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 16:00
I lean to the same view, if it is easily done then you could look at it, but otherwise just leave it...

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Reply By: Ross M - Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 21:01

Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 at 21:01
Gary,
The difference is only in the stud pattern.

There are no Landcruiser or Nissan hubs as such, it is only the stud pattern either 5 or 6.

Since the hub and brake drum (cast as one) is the same, it is either drilled for the 5 or 6 studs.
Any difference in the wheel offsets and inner guard clearance has to be considered. Usually just a change of the integral cast drum/hub is all you would require to go from 6 to 5 studs.

Only when there is a big change in each wheels offset, will the position of the actual hub face be an issue. And only when you discover an incompatibility would you need to change the trailing arms.

Check your offsets and If you have to get different drum/hubs. You can also change over the bearings and continue to use them too.
Or be prepared to change a tyre onto a different stud rim as mentioned. If you already have that tyre gear, there is no extra cost.

Ross M
AnswerID: 517434

Follow Up By: Member - batsy - Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 14:08

Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 14:08
Gary, why not contact KK in Ballina (phone or email) as I am sure they will be only too happy to set you on the correct path.
Cheers
Batsy
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Follow Up By: mike39 - Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 19:49

Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 19:49
Just one additional detail, the the rim centre cutout diam. (for 6 stud wheels) is different between the Toyota and Nissan even though the stud PCD is the same.
One wont fit the hub of the other, but I cant think which way it goes.
Batsy is putting you on the right track.
Mike
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Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 20:35

Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 20:35
Mike 39, those cast brake Hub/ brake drum don't have a centre diameter. They simply bolt flush on the drum so they all fit each other!! Michael
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Reply By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 21:42

Sunday, Sep 01, 2013 at 21:42
Gary,

I have a Karavan which shares the same swing-arms as your Kamper so I'm reasonably familiar with the setup.

If you want to change the offset you are correct, you will need to obtain, somehow, replacement swing-arms.

However if all you want to do is change the stud pattern then I think all you need to do is change the hubs themselves.

Be advised though, that in addition to getting the stud pattern right the center spigot on the hubs must be sized to suit your new wheels. I have seen an after-market mismatch where the spigot on the hub was larger than the centre hole in the wheel so that the wheel could not seat flat on the hub with obvious results. (Believe it or not, the wheel was fitted, the nuts tightened and the owner drove away with perhaps the world's worst wheel-wobble.)

Cheers

Frank
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Reply By: Gary.W - Monday, Sep 02, 2013 at 18:18

Monday, Sep 02, 2013 at 18:18
Thanks everyone. As usual the Exploreoz community has provided sensible and comprehensive advice. I'll look into all these options and work out a way forward.

Cheers and safe travels.

Gary
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